Defending champions RCB would be in the quest to defend their title in the IPL; however, as an early blow to their campaign, veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood’s availability has been pushed under major uncertainty.
Ending their longest wait of 18 seasons, RCB finally won their maiden title in 2025. Not Virat Kohli, not Anil Kumble, but Rajat Patidar led the Red Devils to their first-ever title.
RCB will kickstart their campaign in 2026 with their first game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The tournament starts on the 28th of March, with the defending champions returning to their home ground with the IPL title.
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Big blow for RCB as Josh Hazlewood uncertain for IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden title in the IPL 2025, and Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood had a huge role to play in that win. He finished as their leading wicket-taker and changed the course of the final with big blows to the Punjab Kings’ batting order.
Hazlewood has been ruled out of the game ever since the India T20I series and missed the Ashes as well as the ICC T20 World Cup for the Australians. His return is still under immense doubt after his recovery was said to be monitored under physio care, as per a Hindustan Times journalist.
An update on Josh Hazlewood. The pacer is still under physio care, his participation in #IPL2026 for @RCBTweets depends on whether he gets the clearance or not. Wait and watch situation for now #RCB
— Vishesh Roy (@vroy38) March 12, 2026
RCB has already been struggling with uncertainty over Yash Dayal’s availability
Royal Challengers Bangalore have already been struggling due to the possible uncertainty on the availability of their Indian paceman Yash Dayal. Dayal the left armer played a crucial role in forming the effective pace trio alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood.
Dayal was emerging as a quality death bowler for RCB before he was booked with sexual assault charges. The Jaipur court denied him and anticipatory bail making his availability a bigger concern.
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